On aerial drumming by snipes

Abstract

Snipes are known to exhibit peculiar display flights. They generate sounds by flattering outer tail feathers as they dive. Most snipes are almost identical. But one can tell them in the hand, because the number of tail feathers differs among species. This means the sound made by tail feathers also differs among species. This study treats Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii. Measurements and analysis reveals the geometry and configuration of outer tail feathers accounts for the feature in sound spectrum of their aerial drumming.